By ERIC VICCARO
bnewssports@sbcglobal.net

This past week, the City of Bowie and the Bowie Independent School District saw the passage of previous bond issues bear fruit.
Through those two bonds, Bowie constructed stellar athletic facilities that have been shown to be in high demand.
“We are proud of our facilities,” Bowie Athletic Director Dylan Stark said. “We’ve come a long way in 10 years.”
This past Monday, Wichita Falls Rider played Birdville in a Conference 5A bi-district game while Vernon took on Springtown in a Conference 4A area round contest.
Stark said there’s another reason why Bowie is a popular spot – location.
“We are halfway between Wichita Falls and the Metroplex,” Stark said. “People like to play here.”
Last year, because of bad weather in West Texas, Stamford and Panhandle came east to play each other during the football playoffs.
“We’ve had numerous volleyball and basketball playoff games in our gym,” Bowie ISD superintendent Steven Monkres said. “It’s a boost to the local economy. Fans make purchases at our concession stand and eat in our restaurants. It’s a win-win situation for everybody.”
Monkres said he’s received plenty of positive feedback on Bowie’s facilities, which includes a 3,500-seat football stadium with FieldTurf. The baseball and softball diamonds also feature FieldTurf. The gymnasium features nothing but stadium-style seating.

Plenty of Wichita Falls Rider fans and parents traveled from Wichita to Montague County for Monday’s Conference 5A bi-district match at Bowie High School gymnasium. (News photo by Eric Viccaro)